Council agrees to non-resident library card fee hike

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Public hearings determined two key motions during the recent meeting of the Mountain Home City Council, one for the increase in library fees (non-resident library cards) and the other for the Idaho Department Block Grant for $100,000 to help revamp the Mountain Home Senior Center.

Currently there are 360 non-residents who have cards. Mountain Home Librarian Luise House spoke on how the library cards have become more valuable. "

That was made more attractive, when we joined the Links Consortium. The important thing is that it now opened doors for several libraries just by using our library card," said House.

House addressed the council about a phone call she received from Bunny & John Farnham who have a non-resident card.

"They feel that this would be a great financial burden to them," House said speaking for the Farnhams who were unable to attend the meeting.

Councilwoman Alain Issac noted that not only House has been receiving objections, Isaac has also received objections from residents who believe that the approval of these new fees would bring a diminishing return on the city, "I would approve an increase, but not an increase for that much."

Councilman Russ Anderson noted the purpose behind these new fees.

"This was put into action, because the taxpayers are funding the library and the people who are living outside the city of Mountain Home are not, this is only fair," said Anderson.

Anderson made a recommendation to raise the price, (not at the requested total), and to review the matter in one year.

Councilman Geoff Schroeder added, "I don't think the dollar amount is out of line, but there will be some sticker shock with this later."

Councilman Richard Urquidi spoke on how much he was in favor, of the prices, "I'm all for this, we have had a certain habit that if we put something off, it's going to stay put off for a while, (the fees haven't been discussed for the last 15 years)."

Anderson commented following Urquidi, "I feel it should have fell on library board, and not on our shoulders."

In discussion of the cost, Isaac said, "I believe we need to make it equitable," to which Urquidi replied, "If it's $69.95 than $70.00 is equitable."

Mayor Tom Rist replied, "The argument has been made, the city taxpayers are paying the amount of taxes for the library and the non-residents are riding the coattails, it's a good argument for these fees to be raised."

The council approved the motion, (by a 3-2 vote), to raise the non-resident card fees to $70 and the fee of library use for non-residents at $1 per hour.

Several individuals spoke on behalf of the Senior Center, Senior Center President Ruthada Powell, former City Clerk Gail Best, Delta James, administrator of Sage Community Resources and Jo Wright, former Senior Center bus and van driver.

Powell described the grant and how it would help improve the facility. Best discussed how the center is frugal with their money, and how the center puts on fund raisers to help keep the center operational, "But this grant we're requesting is way beyond our means," said Best.

Best talked about what the center provides for the guests like legal services, (with visits by City Attorney Jay Friedly), congregate meals, health related activities, informative presentations and social opportunities.

"These opportunities are a nice way for the seniors to have them get in touch with people," said Best.

Best talked about how the center is viable to the community and how it is utilized by not only seniors but residents of different ages and races. In February, they have several hundred non-seniors visit the center, a prime example was the recent Democratic caucus that drew over 300 people.

Rist commented on behalf of himself and the council, "We are well aware of how the center is important to the community and I'm in full support of approving this grant."

Wright who has been with the center for the last 20 years commented on the grant, "Not only will this help the people be safe and comfortable, but in the future you all will be regular visitors to the center and we want to keep it nice."

Rist jokingly said, "some of us sooner than others." The council unanimously approved the grant.

The council discussed the development of a comprehensive plan. Public Works Director Wayne Shepherd noted that there is a prepared draft and it will be reviewed on a preliminary basis.

"We just have to wait if any specific changes need to be made," said Shepherd.

Golf Pro Rob Ellis addressed the council on a request to purchase new windows, these windows are located at the snack bar side of the building. Three windows have broken seals while one has a very large crack.

Rist spoke on how he recently viewed the windows at the course, and how they are in definite need of repair.

"I was under the impression that each of the windows would cost $450-$500 for each window. We knew that these windows needed to be changed and I was shocked at the bid for this, (Jim's Lumber offered $195.95 for a window)."

The council approved the bid for Jim's Lumber to install new windows at the golf course.

Rist took time to acknowledge Senator Tim Corder, and his wife's recent illness. "From the city of Mountain Home, we wish the Corder family well and I hope that everything is going to turn out okay."

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  • Once again...we have had record growth in Elmore County. Why is it that costs continue to rise in our town? We have a better tax base with all of the homes that have been and are being built which means MORE people paying taxes to the library. WHERE IS ALL OF THIS MONEY GOING?

    Also, where is all of the money for that community center on 18th going? We have been taxed for that and it is obviously not being built. Where is that money at? How about not being taxed anymore on something that is not available. The county never should have purchased that property without funding in place to pay for a structure. So now we can pay taxes on it for the next 30 years in HOPES that it can/will be built some day. Sell the property to the church for parking and give the money back to the tax payers.

    Does nobody else wonder where all of the money is?

    -- Posted by OpinionMissy on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 1:04 PM
  • I live in the county and have no intentions of ever purchasing another library card. We purchased one last year and then went in to use the library for the second time and were told that they didn't have any record of us having a library card. The first time that we used the library we checked out books for my 2 year old daughter, but suddenly they had no record of us. Libraries are outdated and not used enough as it is. I believe that the library will lose money rather than gain it by making this decision. Half the shelves are empty in the library anyway. I guess I will just take my daughter in and read books in the library rather than checking them out. That will work until they start charging admission.

    -- Posted by IdahoBorn on Wed, Mar 5, 2008, at 2:26 PM
  • I think the amount of the non-Mtn Home residential fee for the cards is on the high side, but I do agree with the reasoning behind it. There seem to be so many people who "refuse" to live within city limits, but, boy howdy, do they want all the benefits of city citizenship. Sorry; you just can't have it all. You made your choice. And living outside the city can be wonderful -- enjoy it and stop griping.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 9:12 AM
  • I would not have minded paying an increase. But, to double the fee is terrible. I realize that costs go up. I don't have any issue with some increase. The worst is the dollar per hour that we must pay also.

    And yes seniorlady - some do refuse to live in town. Do you want someone with horses living next to you? I don't live in town for a reason. What about families whose kids are in 4-H and have animals of all kinds. That's not refusing to live in town. That is maintaining a way of life.

    What would you do if everyone decided ot live in town? A bit crowded I would bet.

    -- Posted by midea on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 10:09 AM
  • I apologize for the use of "refuse"; it sounds very negative. I should have said "chosen not to live in town." Every choice each of us makes has its good and not-so-good points, and we all must live by those choices.

    By the way, if things were different in my own life, I would prefer to live in the country -- especially with lots of animals. (I quite often envy country life.)

    But I would hope I wouldn't be too upset about not having the same level of city services as those who either choose to live in town or don't have the choice not to live in town.

    -- Posted by senior lady on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 2:28 PM
  • For all you city folks, remember we are already paying a fee. $35.00 per year and $1.00 per hour to use the computer. How much are you city folks paying? Do you know? If every city person paid $35 per year like the county does, the income to the library is $390,0005.00 per year. Do you really think that much money is going to the library. And if you want to add the 360 county folks into the budget the total is $402,605. Do we really need more that that to run our library? Again, the govenment is taxing us to death and side-tracking us with trivial issues like city vs. county. Folks, this puts the libaray off limits for those that can't afford it. How sad. Well, city folks, don't complain when they raise your taxes. I mean, it's only fair that the city folks have to pay as much as the county folks.

    -- Posted by froggy on Fri, Mar 7, 2008, at 10:32 AM
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